The opposite of curiosity. Questioning Barriers. I dunno. Simple is difficult. More curiosity. Everything's a crisis. You should read this newsletter.
Writing is good, thinking is better.
Being smart is good, being patient is better.
– Herman Hesse, Siddhartha
1. “The opposite of curiosity is fear.”
How to grow old – Mike Monteiro – (Mike Monteiro’s Good News)
The takeaway above — “the opposite of curiosity is fear” — along with the following quote, grabbed my attention.
As you get older, what habits do you try to develop to keep your mind young, and fight off cynicism?
Be curious.
The article goes on to discuss his own experience with his daughter stoking his musical curiosity, but also discusses how certain media outlets’ goal is supposedly to make people afraid to leave their homes. Sadly, it’s working. My sense is we’ve never been more afraid, at least not in my lifetime. It certainly doesn’t look to be getting better any time soon. Hence, the observation that “the opposite of curiosity is fear.”
Do this: Stay curious.
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2. “Many barriers only exist because we assume they do”
The Art of Asking Bold Questions – Chris Guillebeau – (Year of Mental Health)
We make SO MANY assumptions throughout our day. I get it, it’s probably some kind of evolutionary optimization. You can’t question everything.
But you can question more.
The author questioned if he actually needed to take a class that, while required, he’d already met all the requirements for.
To go through the advocacy process I had to ask for something I wasn’t sure I would get. I had to face the prospect of rejection, of getting excited and then feeling deflated, and potentially weakening my ability to ask for anything else that I wanted later.
The worst outcome? “No”. So what? Seriously, how low-cost is that, compared to the potential up-side? (The answer the author got was “Yes”, by the way.)
Do this: Ask boldly.
3. “The phrase ‘I don’t know’ is vanishing.”
The Death of “I Don’t Know” – John Nosta – (Psychology Today)
When ChatGPT first arrived on the public scene, one of my comments about it was that it gave exceptionally confident, exceptionally wrong answers. While it has improved — it’s exceptionally wrong a little less of the time — it’s still doing so with an air of great confidence.
True intelligence isn’t just about retrieving information. It’s about grappling with complexity, navigating nuance, and sometimes, resisting the seductive pull of a quick answer.
Google changed us. We remember less, knowing where to find what we need quickly. That’s arguably both good and bad. How will AI train us?
Do this: Embrace uncertainty.
4. “Life refuses to be systemized.”
Complexity is a Trap – Joan Westenberg – (Blog)
We are impressed more with complex systems than we are with simple solutions. Until, of course, we’re required to use one or the other. Then it becomes obvious that simple is not only better, but more difficult to accomplish.
Complexity is a response to fear. Fear of missing out. Fear of being wrong. Fear of missing our shot. Fear of not being special. Fear of the simple answer being too simple.
Simplicity, on the other hand, requires courage and letting go.
Do this: Embrace simplicity.
5. “It’s as if we hit adulthood and we stopped learning.”
Is Curiosity the Key to Happiness? – Tom Greene – (Wit & Wisdom)
I think I mentioned last week that themes are completely unintentional. And yet … curiosity. Not only a couple of times this week, but it’s been a topic of interest in the past as well.
Curious people don’t just acquire more knowledge but also engage more deeply with life, experiencing it more fully through their constant pursuit of new information and experiences.
As a society we’re learning less. We’re more distracted. And we’re apparently less happy. Coincidence? I think not.
Do this: Stay curious, my friend.
6. “Everything happens all at once, and everything is a crisis.”
How to stay sane *AND* informed – Caitlin Dewey- (Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends)
While I totally get and respect that some might need to step away from the incessant dumpster fire that is news today, it’s always left me a little uncomfortable. It’s sort of like I’d be giving up. (Again, if you need to step away do so. I’m not in any way saying you shouldn’t, to keep your sanity.)
The current chaos is deliberate
That makes me feel like stepping away is letting “them” win. It’s just that there’s SO MUCH.
Dewey discusses, and then outlines an approach that, so far, is working for her to remain informed without the overwhelm. It’s worth reviewing. I’m also not saying we all need to adopt her particular approach. What I am saying, though, is that we need to make deliberate choices that allow us to stay sane while remaining informed. It’s a challenge.
Do this: First, stay sane. Then, try to stay informed. Then, act.
#overwhelm #politics
7. “Every “should” is a burden”
Every “should” is a burden – Aaron Bieber – (The Curious Leader)
I have a strong dislike of the word “should”. I say it too often, and I hear it too often. It frequently feels like an unrequested obligation, particularly when it involves someone else’s priorities. While Bieber’s article isn’t nearly as deep as I was hoping for, the title alone got my attention because it captures so well how I feel.
I should think more deeply on this. (Argh!)
Do this: Watch your words.
Random links
- Are typos lethal in a work email? Nine digital communication tips from an expert – Communication matters.
- Nobody cares – Kinda depressing, but insightful. And he owns a Corgi, so redemption.
- On Agricultural Causes of Societal Catastrophes – Interesting.
- Why aren’t we protesting in the streets?
- Your World Is Burning. Here’s What You Can Actually Do About It.
What I’m reading now
- A Little History of Philosophy – Nigel Warburton
- Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff and It’s All Small Stuff – Richard Carlson
- Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life (Audio)
My Reading List – everything I’ve read since 2021.
My Sources Page – the common sources I scan/read regularly.
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Thanks!
-Leo
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